Method for storing and retrieving sequential information

• US 6,354,298 B1
• Filed: 07/28/2000
• Issued: 03/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: University Of Kentucky Research Foundation (University of Kentucky)
• Original Assignee: University Of Kentucky Research Foundation (University of Kentucky)
• Inventors: Landfield, Philip W., Thibault, Olivier
• Primary Examiner(s): JASTRZAB, JEFFREY R
• Application Number:
  US09/628,556
• Time in Patent Office: 592 Days
• Field of Search: 128/898, 607/2, 607/3, 607/45, 607/58, 600/544, 604/891.1
• US Class Current: 128/898
• CPC Class Codes: G06N 3/049 Temporal neural networks, e.g. delay elements, oscillating neurons or pulsed inputs

Abstract

A method and design is provided for distributing and storing sets of temporally ordered information in a systematic and sequential fashion. This method is based on a model of how the brain functions in the distribution and storage of temporally ordered memories, but it can also be applied to the design of new biological, electronic or optical devices. These devices may be used in the testing and development of new therapeutic drugs, in the detection of toxic agents or impaired performance, or in the development of new industrial and consumer devices in which the orderly storage of sequential information is important.

Claims

1. A method for testing the effects of drugs or treatment on a biological memory system of a subject, comprising monitoring the subject'"'"'s neural function to determine whether the drug or treatment improves or impairs the ability of a subject to store or retrieve sequential memories, comprising the steps of:

i) administering the drug or treatment to the subject;

ii) generating sequential activity in the neural system of said subject with an electrical stimulation electrode or other recognized method of inducing neural activity at a predetermined frequency or temporal pattern;

iii) monitoring whether the frequency or temporal pattern is faithfully transmitted;

iv) monitoring whether the neural activity generated at multiple recording electrodes show a consistent sequence on successive stimulation pulses or trains of pulses;

v) determining efficacy of the drug or treatment by comparing the faithfulness of the transmitted frequency or temporal pattern obtained for the individual before and after the administration of the drug or treatment; and

vi) determining efficacy of the drug or treatment by comparing the sequence of neural activity generated at multiple recording electrodes by successive stimulation pulses or trains of pulses before and after the administration of the drug or treatment.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said drug or treatment affects a temporal memory process.

3. The method according to claim 2, comprising measuring neural activity at a plurality of electrodes positioned in or near the brain, wherein the neural activity is recorded at said electrodes in sequence.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein a larger burst of activity or more coherent activity at one or more of the electrodes, compared with non-dosed state, indicates cognition enhancing activity of the drug or treatment.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein a diminished state of activity or less coherent activity at one or more electrodes, compared with the non-dosed state, indicates a neurotoxic effect of the drug or treatment.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein a diminished state of activity, less coherent activity, reduced or less distinct anatomical sistribution, or other related pattern at one or more electrodes, compared with the control state, indicates a neurotoxic or impairing effect of the drug, treatment, or genetic biological state.

7. A method, based on the sequential spatial distribution model of temporal memory, for testing the effects of drugs, treatments, genetic state or other biological conditions on a biological memory system of a subject being treated with drugs, comprising monitoring the subject'"'"'s neural function to determine whether the drug, treatment, genetic state or biological state improves or impairs the ability of a subject to store or retrieve sequential memories, comprising the steps of:

i) generating sequential activity in the neural system of said subject with an electrical stimulation electrode or other recognized method to induce neural activity at a predetermined frequency or temporal pattern;

ii) monitoring whether the frequency or temporal pattern is faithfully transmitted between different electrodes or neural foci;

iii) monitoring whether brain neural activity levels induced by one or more stimulating devices shows a systemic incrementing shift in spatial distribution peak and through activity along fiber pathways of information flow;

iv) monitoring whether neural activity generated at each brain site shows a consistent sequence of waxing and waning activity on successive stimulation pulses or trains of pulses;

v) determining efficacy of the drug, treatment, genetic state or biological state by comparing the faithfulness of the transmitted frequency, temporal pattern or spatial distribution obtained for the individual before and after the administration of the drug or treatment or between individuals with different genetic or biological states; and

vi) determining efficacy of the drug, treatment, genetic state or biological state by comparing the sequence of neural activity generated at multiple recording electrodes, photoreceptors or other sensors of neural activity by successive stimulation pulses or trains of pulses before and after the administration of the drug or treatment or the induction of a genetic or biological state; and

vii) providing instrumentation, algorithms, software or procedures for specifically monitoring the above parameters.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein said drug treatment, genetic or biological state affects a temporal memory process.

9. The method according to claim 8, comprising measuring neural activity at a plurality of electrodes, photoreceptors or other neural activity sensors positioned in or near the brain, wherein the neural activity is recorded at said electrodes or sensors in sequence.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein a larger burst of activity, more coherent activity, larger or more distinct anatomical pattern or other related patterns at one or more of the electrodes, compared with a control state, indicates cognition enhancing activity of the drug, treatment, or genetic biological state.